AG Rob McKenna apologizes for ‘offensive’ tweets

Gubernatorial candidate and Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna has released a statement apologizing for what he calls “offensive and inappropriate” tweets sent out by one of his campaign staffers.

“Shut up and speak english #asians,” was one tweet sent out by Kathlyn Ehl, a policy assistant for McKenna’s campaign.

Another tweet, sent in November 2011, took aim at the elderly.

“If it takes you an entire green light to walk in front of my car GET A WHEELCHAIR,” she wrote, using the hashtag “#toooldtowalk.”

The Stranger took screenshots of the tweets, which were later deleted.

McKenna issued a statement Monday to acknowledge that Ehl is a member of his staff and to apologize for her conduct.

“The fact that she made the comments before joining my campaign does not make them any less hurtful to Asian Americans and the elderly,” he said. “They were insensitive and wrong regardless of their context.

“She has done the right thing by apologizing. I am hopeful that she has learned a humbling lesson that will give her greater perspective about having charity in her heart when considering the challenges faced by others.”

According to The Stranger, Ehl deleted dozens of tweets following their story.